May is Macula month, raising awareness of macular disease – the leading cause of blindness in Australia.
With age-related macular degeneration a common cause of macular disease, there will be a large number of older people living at home with varying degrees of vision loss due to macular disease.
Making some simple changes around the home can make a big difference in how well people with macular disease can remain living independently.
Lighting and decor
For those with poor vision, good lighting is vital. Around the home, lighting includes general lighting and task lighting. General lighting should be bright and even, without causing glare. For task lighting, think about areas of the home where some extra light for a specific task could be helpful. For example, downlights above kitchen benches and sinks or a reading lamp near your favourite reading spot.
Wall colours can also affect the amount of light in a room, with pale walls and ceiling reflecting more light back into a room. Painting door and window frames a different colour can make them easier to see. Avoid patterned wallpaper or curtains as they can cause visual disturbances or hallucinations.
Meal times
Think about using colour and contrast to help objects stand out. For example, choose plate colours that stand out against your tablecloths to make them easier to see and use different coloured chopping boards for different food types. To make utensils easier to find and distinguish, wrap coloured tape around the handles.
Talking items such as microwaves, scales or smart assistants such as Google Home devices can also help with meal preparation and cooking.
Medication
If you are finding it hard to read medication leaflets, your pharmacist or GP can provide alternatives. A pill organiser box can help ensure you take the right medications and when taking tablets, placing them on a brightly coloured cloth can help them be easier to see.
Low vision aids
There is a range of gadgets and technologies available to help those with sight loss carry out their everyday tasks. These include:
- large button remote controls and phones
- large print books
- different types of magnifiers
- audio books
- smart assistants such as Google Home or Alexa
- accessible functions such as text to speech on smartphones and tablets
Help at home
Getting help around the home through a home care package – including home modifications, domestic assistance such as meal preparation and cleaning or transport – can help those living with macular disease stay independent for longer. Your local Envigor Care Partner can help you access the home care system and answer any questions you have.